Introduction
Crater Lake sits in the caldera of Mount Mazama, a volcano that erupted catastrophically 7,700 years ago and collapsed into itself. The result is a lake 1,949 feet deep — the deepest in the United States — filled entirely by rain and snowmelt with no inlets or outlets. The water is so pure and the depth so extreme that it appears an almost supernatural shade of blue. Hiking the rim above this lake is one of the most memorable experiences in any national park.
Rim Village to Garfield Peak (Moderate, 3.4 miles RT)
The most accessible viewpoint hike in the park starts at Rim Village and climbs 1,010 feet to Garfield Peak at 8,054 feet. From the summit, you look straight down 1,000 feet to the lake surface with Wizard Island (a cinder cone volcano in the middle of the lake) directly below. Allow 2–3 hours round trip. The trail is rocky and exposed — bring layers.
Cleetwood Cove Trail (Moderate, 2.2 miles RT)
This is the only trail that descends to the lake's edge — a steep 700-foot descent on a paved trail to a small rocky cove where you can swim in the 55°F water or board the park's boat tours to Wizard Island. The swim is extraordinary — the water clarity allows you to see dozens of feet down. The climb back out is the hard part. Allow 1.5–2 hours, plus time at the lake.
Mount Scott (Strenuous, 5 miles RT)
The highest point in the park at 8,929 feet. The trail gains 1,250 feet to a fire lookout with the most panoramic views in the park — the entire crater lake is visible along with the Cascades in every direction. The trailhead is on the east rim road.
Rim Drive (33 miles)
Even if you don't hike, the 33-mile Rim Drive circling the entire caldera is an extraordinary experience. The road has 30+ overlooks, each offering a different angle on the lake and volcanic features. Allow 2–3 hours to drive it slowly. Bicycles are permitted on the road (popular in early morning before car traffic).
Wizard Island Boat Tour
Boat tours to Wizard Island (the cinder cone in the lake) depart from Cleetwood Cove. You can hike to the summit of Wizard Island for close-up views of an active-era volcanic crater. Tours must be reserved in advance on recreation.gov — they sell out daily.
